On Wednesday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $3.5-million in livestock and forage-related research funding from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
This funding is being awarded to 26 livestock and forage-related research projects to create future growth opportunities and to enhance the competitiveness of the provincial agriculture industry.
“The livestock and forage sectors continue to be a valuable part of our agriculture industry and provincial economy,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud.
“This research funding will lead to long-term benefits for producers, who are continually looking at new innovations and technologies to meet a growing demand for their products.”
Livestock and forage-related research projects already receiving funding in 2012 include: genetic improvements to forage crops, controlling prevalent and emerging diseases in poultry, cattle and swine, pellet quality, nutritional enhancements for cattle and bison, and improving radio frequency identification tag retention in cattle.
“Research is vital to the future of our industry and we appreciate this funding to improve forage production in Saskatchewan,” said Saskatchewan Forage Council President Aaron Ivey.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) of Saskatchewan says the announcement fails to address the serious issue of declining numbers of livestock in the province. By their calculations, head of cattle has dropped by approximately 10 per cent from July 2007 to July 2012.
“More honesty about the challenges our producers are facing today would be refreshing,” said Saskatoon Nutana MLA Cathy Sproule.
In total, approximately $11.8-million in 2012 ADF funding is being provided to 60 crops, livestock, forage and other agriculture-related research projects.
For further information and applications for the Agriculture Development Fund visit the Government of Saskatchewan.
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